UN General Assembly Resolution (2015): Harmony with Nature

Summary

On 22 December 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 70/208, which decides to initiate, in 2016, a virtual dialogue on Harmony with Nature among experts on Earth jurisprudence worldwide to inspire citizens and societies to reconsider how they interact with the natural world in order to implement the Sustainable Development Goals in harmony with nature. The resolution notes “that some countries recognize the rights of nature in the context of the promotion of sustainable development, and expressing the conviction that, in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature.” The resolution invites states “to promote harmony with the Earth, as found in indigenous cultures, to learn from those cultures and to provide support for and promote efforts being made from the national level down to the local community level to reflect the protection of nature.”